Mixing machine for meats and sausages

ABSTRACT

A mixing machine includes a pair of spaced counterrotating mixing shafts, mounting mixing paddles, disposed in parallel relationship within a vessel with a separate motor and transmission assembly located at each end of the shafts for rotating them. Each transmission assembly is located within a closed housing and a lubricant is contained in the housing for effecting continuous lubrication of the transmission assembly. A removable cover on the housing supports a part of the transmission assembly and provides means for compensating for axial thrusts on the mixing shafts. When the cover is opened it is possible to remove a portion of the transmission assembly so that the mixing shafts are released for removal from the vessel. Displaceable closures are provided for openings in the lower part of the vessel for unloading and cleaning the vessel. The closures can be disassembled for complete cleaning of the vessel.

United States Patent Iozzelli Mar. 7, 1972 [54] MHXING MACHINE FOR MEATS AND SAUSAGES [72] Inventor: Adriano lozulli, Macalle 32, Pistoia, ltaly [22] Filed: Jan. 12, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 2,326

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data June 16, 1969 Italy ..4637 A169 [56] References Cited UNIT ED STATES PATENTS 2,961,224 11/1960 Wright ..259/104 2,982,990 5/1961 Zomleter ..259/6 X 3,129,010 4/ 1964 Stratienko ..259/D1G. 16

Primary Examiner-Jordan Franklin Assistant Examiner-Geo. V. Larkin Attorney-McGlew and Toren [57] ABSTRACT A mixing machine includes a pair of spaced counterrotating mixing shafts, mounting mixing paddles, disposed in parallel relationship within a vessel with a separate motor. and trans mission assembly located at each end of the shafts for rotating them. Each transmission assembly is located within at cm housing and a lubricant is contained in the housing for eflecting continuous lubrication of the transmission assembly. A removable cover on the housing supports a part of the transmission assembly and provides means for compensating for axial thrusts on the mixing shafts. When the cover is opened it is possible to remove a portion of the transmission assembly so that the mixing shafts are released for removal from the vessel. Displaceable closures are provided for openings in the lower part of the vessel for unloading and cleaning the vessel. The closures can be disassembled for complete cleaning of the vessel.

9 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHAR 7 m2 3,647, 190

sum 1 [IF 4 INVENTOR. 4 ,406'M/V0 [OZZELL/ FIG. I6 I BY PAIENTEDMAR 7 I972 3,647. 190

sum 2 or 4 IN NTOR. F 6. lb ADE/4N0 iozzau ATTORNEY PATENTEU MAR 7 i972 SHEET 3 [IF 4 I NVENTOR. ADR/AA/O 1 OZ Z EL Ll FIGZb PAIENTEDMAR 7 I972 SHEET 4 [IF 4 INVENTOR. 407/411/0 IOZZELL/ The present invention is directed to a mixing machine for meats, sausages and the like, and more particularly, it is concerned with an arrangement for driving the mixing shafts and for disassembling the machine for easy and effective cleaning.

Stuffing and mixing machines for ground meats, such as used in the delicatessen and similar industries, in general are composed of a large receptacle which contains the matter to be processed, and a pair of mixing shafts provided with suitable mixing members is positioned within the vessel and driven by a suitable motor. Such machines involve considerable problems in both construction and operation due to the size of various components of the machine, such as the vessel and the mixing elements. Further, due to the strict health laws affecting such machines, they require frequent cleaning of the various components which might retain residues of the mixed product since such residues can easily become contaminated. Particular attention must be given to the lubricating system for the machine to assure, to the greatest extent possible, the separation of the lubricant and the product being processed to prevent any reciprocal contamination between the two. Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an arrangement of the operating components of the machine which affords easy inspection and cleaning so that they can be operated to meet the required hygienic and sanitary standards.

Another object of the invention is to provide an arrangement in which the various components can easily be disassembled for effecting a complete and thorough cleaning of the vessel and other parts of the machine.

Still another object of the invention is the use of separate motor and transmission assemblies for each of the opposite ends of the mixing shafts with the motors operating synchronously.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, a pair of counterrotating mixing shafts are disposed in spaced parallel relationship within a vessel. The opposite ends of the mixing shafts extend into housings secured to the vessel and are connected to transmission systems for driving the mixing shafts. Each housing contains a separate transmission assembly driven by its own motor. Openable covers are provided on the housing for supporting a portion of the transmission assembly and for compensating for axial thrust developed in the mixing shaft. When the cover is opened a portion of the transmission assembly can be removed for releasing the mixing shafts so they can be removed from the vessel. A supply of lubricant is contained within each housing for lubricating the transmission assembly. The opening between each housing and the vessel, through which the transmission assembly is connected to the mixing shafts, is provided with a seal arrangement to avoid any contamination of the lubricant and the matter within the vessel by the other. Openings are provided in the lower part of the vessel so that it can be emptied and cleaned, closure assemblies are provided for the openings so they can be easily opened and the closure assemblies can be disassembled for easily and efficiently cleaning the vessel.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawing:

FIGS. Ia and lb conjointly provide an elevational view, partly in section, of a mixing machine embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detail view of an opening in the vessel illustrated in FIGS. la and 1b;

FIG. 2a is a detail view of a closure for the opening shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 2b is a side view, partly in section, of the closure illustrated in FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of an arrangement for removing the closure shown in FIGS. 20 and 2b from the opening illustrated in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on either of the lines 4-4 in FIGS. la and lb;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As shown in FIGS. 1, la and 4, the mixing machine embodying the present invention consists of a large cylindrical vessel 1 for holding the matter to be processed. On oppositely disposed ends, the vessel 1 is connected to and supported by respective housings 2. A respective motor 2 is mounted on each housing 2', and each motor has a drive shaft, formed as a worm 3, extending vertically downwardly into the associated housing 2'. Within each housing 2', a pair of wonn gears 4 are arranged in meshing engagement with the respective worm gear 3. Each worm gear 4 is secured on a respective tubular sleeve 5 by means of a key 6, and each sleeve 5 extends horizontally from the associated worm gear 4 toward vessel I. The inner end of each sleeve 5 is square in cross section. A respective transmission shaft 7 extends through each sleeve 5, and each shaft 7 has an end portion of square cross section engaged within the square-shaped inner end of the associated sleeve 5.

A pair of counterrotating mixing shafts 8 are disposed within vessel 1 and rotatably mounted in spaced parallel relation. Mixing means comprising paddles and arms 8, are secured to and extend outwardly from each mixing shaft. The square ends on the transmission shafts 7 extend into mating openings in the ends of mixing shafts 8 for transmitting the torque of the motors 2 to the mixing shafts. The motors 2 on the oppositely disposed housings 2 operate synchronously for driving the mixing shafts within the vessel.

The outer ends of each pair of transmission shafts 7 are supported in bearings within a respective cover 9 which is hinged along its lower edge, at point A, to the associated housing 2'. Additionally, the upper end of each cover is secured to the associated housing 2 by means of a screw and wingnut arrangement 10. The outer ends of the transmission shafts 7 are in contact with respective washers 11 which facilitate the rotation of the shafts by absorbing the axial thrust transmitted by the mixing shafts 8. The axial thrust is developed by the mass of the matter being mixed and is exerted against the mixing shafts.

To provide continuous and automatic lubrication of the moving parts of each transmission assembly, a supply of lubricating oil 12 is maintained within each housing 2' and the manner of effecting lubrication is disclosed later. Within each housing 2', a respective collection member 13 is positioned in contact with each worm gear 4 and extends from the worm gear toward the vessel 1. A respective cylindrical fitting 14, mounted on a bearing I7 embraces each sleeve 5. Each fitting 14 is connected to the associated housing 2' and forms a collection chamber 15, and a hole 16 extends inwardly through each fitting from the respective collection chamber 15.

To prevent any passage of the lubricant into the vessel, or the material being mixed into a housing 2', which would result in the contamination of either or both of the lubricant and the matter being processed, sealing devices are provided in the openings between the vessel I and the housings 2' through which the transmission shafts 7 are connected to the mixing shafts 8. In each openings or passages between vessel 1 and a housing 2', an annular plug 18 extends about the respective sleeve 5 so that it is free to move in the axial direction. Each plug is positioned by means of two studs 20, only one of which is shown, and extends into a sleeve 19 threaded onto the end of the sleeve 5. Each respective sleeve 19 is formed of stainless steel or other suitable material which is resistant to corrosion. A plurality of sealing rings 21, 22, 23 and 24 are positioned between each plug 18, sleeve 19 and sleeve 5 to constitute a sealing arrangement. Additionally, at the end of each plug 18 spaced from the vessel 1, a discharge opening 46 is formed in the body of the associated housing 2' to collect any matter passing from the vessel into the housing in the event the sealing arrangement becomes inefiective.

For unloading and cleaning the vessel 1, discharge openings of a rectangular shape are provided in the bottom of the vessel, and preferably two discharge openings 47 are provided. As shown in FIGS. 10, 1b, and 4, frames 26 are secured to the lower part of the vessel 1, each extending about a respective discharge opening 47, and a respective closure member 32 is displaceably mounted in each frame for opening and closing the associated discharge opening. As indicated in FIG. 2, each frame 26 comprises a pair of longitudinally arranged laterally spaced guides 28 along which the associated closure members 32 is moved, on ribs 27, between the opened and closed positions. For displacing each closure member 32 along the guides 27 of a frame 26, a respective piston rod-cylinder assembly 31-33 is connected to the frame 26 and to the closure member 32, and extends horizontally along the base of the vessel 1, as best seen in FIG. la. One end of each cylinder 31 is pin-connected to a joint member 30 and in turn connected to an arm 29 which secures the cylinder to the frame 26. The outer end of each piston rod 33 is connected into a bell-shaped member 34 fixed to an arm 35, having a forked free end, and which, in turn, is secured to the associated closure member 32. Each piston rod is secured into its bell-shaped member 34 by means of an annular fitting 36 thereon engageable in the forked end of an arm 35, and a retaining nut 37, as best seen in FIGS. la and 3. Within each bell-shaped member, a stud 38 is biased into engagement within an annular'recess in the outer end of fitting 36 by means of a helical spring 39. A ring-shaped handle 40 is attached to the end of the stud extending outwardly from the respective bell-shaped member 34. By displacing the handle 40 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3, the spring bias acting on the stud 38 is overcome and the stud is released from the fitting 36 so that the associated piston rod 33 can be disengaged from the bell-shaped member 34 and the arm 35. When it has been disconnected the piston rod can be rotated, due to the joint 30, through an angle sufficient to detach it from the associated closure member 32. The closure member 32 can easily be removed from the guides 27. However, a bar 41', shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2, must be removed from each frame 26 for effecting the complete removal of the closure member 32 therefrom. Each bar 41 is located at the end of the respective frame 26 to limit the extent of travel of the associated closure member along the guides 27. Scraping panels 42, each equipped with a scraping element 43, are positioned at the lower side of vessel 1 adjacent each end thereof, so that the scraping elements 43 can engage the respective closure members 32, as the latter are opened, to effect a complete discharge of the process matter whenever a cleaning operation is effected.

ln operation, each of the motors 2 on the opposite ends of the vessel 1 operates synchronously and the rotational motion originating with the motors 2 is transmitted through the wonns 3 on their drive shafts to the worm gears 4 and, in turn, the sleeves 5 are rotated since they are keyed to the worm gears. in each of the housings 2' the transmission shafts 7 within the sleeves 5 are rotated and their rotational motion is transmitted to the corresponding mixing shafts 8. As a result, the two counterrotating mixing shafts 8 located within the vessel 1 are rotated at each of their ends by transmission shafts 7. However, as mentioned above, the motors operate synchronously so that proper rotational motion is imparted to the mixing shafts.

For disassembling the machine, by releasing the screw and wingnut 10, the covers 9 can be pivoted about their hinged points A and the pair of transmission shafts 7 in each of the housings 2' can be removed. With the transmission shafts removed, the mixing shafts are then free and can be removedfrom the vessel for a better and more complete cleaning of both the shafts and the vessel itself. With the transmission shafts and the mixing shafts removed, it is possible to disman- I tle the plug 18 and the sleeve 19 to clean these components and, if necessary, to replace the sealing rings 21,22,- 23 and The automatic lubrication of the transmission assembly takes place in the following manner: As the worm gears 4 are rotated by the worms 3, they pick up lubricant within the associated housing 2' and the lubricant passes over the worm gears to the collecting plates 13 which direct the lubricant into the collection chambers 15 formed in the fittings 14. The lubricant passes from the collection chambers 15 through the holes 16 and then passes between the bearings 17 and the sleeves 5 keeping them constantly lubricated. After, completing the lubrication of the transmission assembly, the lubricant returns into the body of lubricant contained in the lower part of each housing 2 for subsequent recycling as the wonn gears 4 continue to rotate.

1 claim:

1. A mixing machine for meats, delicatessen and like material comprising, in combination, a substantially horizontally oriented vessel for holding the material to be mixed, and having at least one material discharge opening in the lower part thereof; a pair of mixing shafts extending in spaced parallel relation within and extending longitudinally through said vessel; means rotatably mounting each shaft at both opposite ends thereof; mixing means on said shafts operable to mix material in said vessel during rotation of said mixing shafts; a pair of drive means each located at a respective opposite end of said vessel; respective transmission means each connecting a respective drive means to those ends of both mixing shafts adjacent the associated drive means, and operable to rotate said mixing shafts in opposite angular directions; respective housings enclosing each transmission means and constructed to contain a supply of lubricant for the respective transmission meansenclosed thereby; removable means on each housing providing for ready removal of at least a portion of the transmission means enclosed thereby; means in each housing operable to distribute lubricant to the transmission means enclosed thereby; sealing means preventing intermixing of the lubricant in said housings with the material in said vessel and vice versa; and respective displaceable closures for each discharge opening.

2. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 1, in which said drive means operate in synchronism with each other.

3. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 1, in which each drive means comprises a motor; a respective drive shaft connected to each motor; a respective worm formed on each drive shaft; a respective pair of worm gears meshing with each worm; respective sleeves secured to and extendingaxially inwardly from each wonn gear; respective transmission shafts each extending axially through a respective sleeve and secured to rotate therewith; and a respective connection between the inner end of each transmission shaft and the adjacent end of a respective mixing shaft.

4. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 3, in which said removable means comprises respective covers pivotally mounted on each housing; respective means operable to latch each cover in a closed position; and respective selfJubricating washers fitted within each cover and engaged by the outer ends of respective transmission shafts to absorb axial thrusts transmitted to the associated transmission shaft from the mixing shaft connected thereto.

5. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said worm gears extend below the liquid level of the lubricant in the associated housing to pick up lubricant as they rotate; a respective collecting device communicating with each worm gear to receive lubricant therefrom; respective bearings fitted over each sleeve; respective axially extending tubular members mounted concentrally on each bearing; each tubular member being formed with a lubricating collecting recess in its exterior surface for receiving lubricant from a respective associated bearing for lubricating the associated bearing and the sleeve enclosed thereby with lubricant returning to the reservoir of lubricant in the associated housing after lubricating the bearings and sleeves.

6. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 3, in which said housings and said vessel have aligned openings for the connections between said mixing shafts and the associated transmission shafts; each sealing means including a respective retaining sleeve, of a corrosion-resistant material, positioned in a respective pair of said aligned openings concentrically with a respective first-mentioned sleeve and radially spaced from the associated first-mentioned sleeve throughout at least a portion of its length; respective annular plugs, of a self-lubricating material, disposed within each retaining sleeve and embracing each first-mentioned sleeve, each annular plug being free to move axially of the respective transmission shaft embraced by the respective first-mentioned sleeve; a plurality of sealing rings disposed between each plug, its associated retaining sleeve and its associated first-mentioned sleeve for effecting a seal between the associated housing and said vessel; and respective chambers formed in the wall of each housing adjacent said vessel and each in communication with the associated first-mentioned sleeves for intercepting any material from within said vessel escaping past the associated sealing means.

7. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 1, wherein each displaceable closure comprises a frame fixed to said vessel and extending around a respective material discharge opening therein; each frame including a pair of laterally spaced substantially horizontal guides; each displaceable closure including a respective closure member having longitudinal guide means engaged in said guides; and respective means connected between each frame and its associated closure member and operable to displace the associated closure member along the engaged guides to open, and close the respective discharge opening.

8. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 7, in which each means operable to displace a closure member comprises a cylinder secured to the associated frame and receiving an axially displaceable piston having a piston rod extending therefrom; and means operable to secure the outer end of each piston rod to the respective closure member; said securing means including an arm fixed to and extending from the respective closure member and having a forked free end, a bell-shaped member secured to said arm, a fitting threaded on the free end of said piston rod and formed with a circum' ferential channel recess engageable by the forked end of the arm, and a locknut threaded on said piston rod and engaged with said fitting; said fitting having an annular recess in its end facing said bell-shaped member; a stud displaceable axially in said bell-shaped member and axially aligned with the associated piston rod; spring means in each bell-shaped member engaging the associated stud and biasing the latter to engage in the annular recess in the end of the associated fitting; and a respective handle secured to an end of each stud projecting outwardly from the outer end of the associated bell-shaped member; whereby, said handle may be grasped and pulled outwardly to retract the associated stud, against the bias of the associated spring means, from engagement in the annular recess of the associated fitting to disconnect the associated piston rod from the associated arm and bell-shaped member.

9. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 1, in which each of said mixing means comprises an arm secured to and extending substantially radially outwardly from the associated mixing shaft, and a respective paddle secured to each arm. 

1. A mixing machine for meats, delicatessen and like material comprising, in combination, a substantially horizontally oriented vessel for holding the material to be mixed, and having at least one material discharge opening in the lower part thereof; a pair of mixing shafts extending in spaced parallel relation within and extending longitudinally through said vessel; means rotatably mounting each shaft at both opposite ends thereof; mixing means on said shafts operable to mix material in said vessel during rotation of said mixing shafts; a pair of drive means each located at a respective opposite end of said vessel; respective transmission means each connecting a respective drive means to those ends of both mixing shafts adjacent the associated drive means, and operable to rotate said mixing shafts in opposite angular directions; respective housings enclosing each trAnsmission means and constructed to contain a supply of lubricant for the respective transmission means enclosed thereby; removable means on each housing providing for ready removal of at least a portion of the transmission means enclosed thereby; means in each housing operable to distribute lubricant to the transmission means enclosed thereby; sealing means preventing intermixing of the lubricant in said housings with the material in said vessel and vice versa; and respective displaceable closures for each discharge opening.
 2. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 1, in which said drive means operate in synchronism with each other.
 3. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 1, in which each drive means comprises a motor; a respective drive shaft connected to each motor; a respective worm formed on each drive shaft; a respective pair of worm gears meshing with each worm; respective sleeves secured to and extending axially inwardly from each worm gear; respective transmission shafts each extending axially through a respective sleeve and secured to rotate therewith; and a respective connection between the inner end of each transmission shaft and the adjacent end of a respective mixing shaft.
 4. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 3, in which said removable means comprises respective covers pivotally mounted on each housing; respective means operable to latch each cover in a closed position; and respective self-lubricating washers fitted within each cover and engaged by the outer ends of respective transmission shafts to absorb axial thrusts transmitted to the associated transmission shaft from the mixing shaft connected thereto.
 5. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said worm gears extend below the liquid level of the lubricant in the associated housing to pick up lubricant as they rotate; a respective collecting device communicating with each worm gear to receive lubricant therefrom; respective bearings fitted over each sleeve; respective axially extending tubular members mounted concentrally on each bearing; each tubular member being formed with a lubricating collecting recess in its exterior surface for receiving lubricant from a respective collecting device; each tubular member being formed with a bore therethrough communicating with its recess and with the associated bearing for lubricating the associated bearing and the sleeve enclosed thereby with lubricant returning to the reservoir of lubricant in the associated housing after lubricating the bearings and sleeves.
 6. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 3, in which said housings and said vessel have aligned openings for the connections between said mixing shafts and the associated transmission shafts; each sealing means including a respective retaining sleeve, of a corrosion-resistant material, positioned in a respective pair of said aligned openings concentrically with a respective first-mentioned sleeve and radially spaced from the associated first-mentioned sleeve throughout at least a portion of its length; respective annular plugs, of a self-lubricating material, disposed within each retaining sleeve and embracing each first-mentioned sleeve, each annular plug being free to move axially of the respective transmission shaft embraced by the respective first-mentioned sleeve; a plurality of sealing rings disposed between each plug, its associated retaining sleeve and its associated first-mentioned sleeve for effecting a seal between the associated housing and said vessel; and respective chambers formed in the wall of each housing adjacent said vessel and each in communication with the associated first-mentioned sleeves for intercepting any material from within said vessel escaping past the associated sealing means.
 7. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 1, wherein each displaceable closure comprises a frame fixed to said vessel and extending around a respective material discharge opening therein; each frame including a pair of laterally spaced substantially horizontal guides; each Displaceable closure including a respective closure member having longitudinal guide means engaged in said guides; and respective means connected between each frame and its associated closure member and operable to displace the associated closure member along the engaged guides to open and close the respective discharge opening.
 8. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 7, in which each means operable to displace a closure member comprises a cylinder secured to the associated frame and receiving an axially displaceable piston having a piston rod extending therefrom; and means operable to secure the outer end of each piston rod to the respective closure member; said securing means including an arm fixed to and extending from the respective closure member and having a forked free end, a bell-shaped member secured to said arm, a fitting threaded on the free end of said piston rod and formed with a circumferential channel recess engageable by the forked end of the arm, and a locknut threaded on said piston rod and engaged with said fitting; said fitting having an annular recess in its end facing said bell-shaped member; a stud displaceable axially in said bell-shaped member and axially aligned with the associated piston rod; spring means in each bell-shaped member engaging the associated stud and biasing the latter to engage in the annular recess in the end of the associated fitting; and a respective handle secured to an end of each stud projecting outwardly from the outer end of the associated bell-shaped member; whereby, said handle may be grasped and pulled outwardly to retract the associated stud, against the bias of the associated spring means, from engagement in the annular recess of the associated fitting to disconnect the associated piston rod from the associated arm and bell-shaped member.
 9. A mixing machine, as claimed in claim 1, in which each of said mixing means comprises an arm secured to and extending substantially radially outwardly from the associated mixing shaft, and a respective paddle secured to each arm. 